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Articles 1 - 4 of 4
Full-Text Articles in Aerospace Engineering
Nuclear Thermal Rocket Engine Control Autonomy Via Embedded Decision, David Sikorski
Nuclear Thermal Rocket Engine Control Autonomy Via Embedded Decision, David Sikorski
Doctoral Dissertations
This doctoral dissertation presents an investigation of embedded decision capabilities as a means for developing nuclear reactor autonomous control. Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) is identified as a high priority technology for development, and is the focus of this research. First, a background investigation is presented on the state of the art in nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) engine control and modeling practices, resulting in the development of a low order NTR engine dynamic model based on the literature. The engine model was used to perform the following investigation, and is intended to serve as a research platform for the future development …
Optimization Of Orbital Trajectories Using Neuroevolution Of Augmenting Topologies, Nathan Wetherell
Optimization Of Orbital Trajectories Using Neuroevolution Of Augmenting Topologies, Nathan Wetherell
University Scholar Projects
This project aims to determine the feasibility of using NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT), an advanced neural network evolution scheme, to optimize orbital transfer trajectories. More specifically, this project compares a genetically evolved neural network to a standard Hohmann transfer between Earth and Mars. To test these two methods, an N-body simulation environment was created to accurately determine the result of gravitational interactions on a theoretical spacecraft when combined with planned engine burns. Once created, this simulation environment was used to train the neural networks created using the NEAT Python module. A genetic algorithm was used to modify the topology …
Thermal Testing And Simulation Of Lunar And Martian Isru-Based Materials, Andres Campbell
Thermal Testing And Simulation Of Lunar And Martian Isru-Based Materials, Andres Campbell
All Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects
Upon the eventual return of humans to the lunar surface, leveraging local resources to construct landing pads and other infrastructure is an essential component to minimize cost and risk. The inability to accurately model landing and launch scenarios to predict damage to lunar structures poses risks to astronaut and equipment safety. The following experiment is an investigation of using simulation software and temperature sensors to model lunar and Martian regolith simulant-based concrete exposed to thermal loads. The basis of this experiment is built upon standards defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials, the fundamental axioms of structural health …
Development And Verification Of Flight Data Informed Performance Estimation And Prediction Simulation Tool For Small Electrical Multi-Rotor Uav, Nicholas Scott Borelle
Development And Verification Of Flight Data Informed Performance Estimation And Prediction Simulation Tool For Small Electrical Multi-Rotor Uav, Nicholas Scott Borelle
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
While small scale multi-rotor aircraft are becoming an increasingly large market with applications emerging every day, their ability to have both a high endurance/long range and a high speed/performance flight is severely limited. This leads to uncertainty in mission planning and aircraft design, specifically when deciding mission length and available on-board energy. Uncertainty like this leads to an increased chance of failure to complete the mission, and a failure to recover the aircraft. Considering that these aircraft are used by everyone from hobbyists to commercial companies to military personnel, the applications and missions being flown carry importance and a serious …